Preview: RG Worlds 2015

The 2015 World Championships of Rhythmic Gymnastics which will held from September 07 to 13 in Stuttgart, Germany, serve as the first of two qualifying competitions for the 2016 Olympic Games. The top 15 individuals and the top eight Groups will earn their countries berths for the competition in Rio. More than 280 gymnasts hailing from 56 nations from Angola to Venezuela have gathered to compete in Stuttgart (GER).
The following 23 eligible individuals and the top seven Groups that do not qualify directly to the Olympics will advance to the Rio Test Event April 22-24, where they will have a second chance to qualify for the Games.

The international RG coverages of GYMmedia INTERNATIONAL are supported by the international top lable from Japan, the co. C h a c o t t

Additionally, 20 places at the 2017 World Games in Wroclaw (POL) will be attributed as olympic tickets, based on the results of the individual All-around competition.

WCh Competition in Stuttgart will be divided into Individual and Group competition.
* Individuals compete with the Hoop, Ball, Clubs and Ribbon, while
* Groups of five gymnasts compete routines using 5 Ribbons as well as 2 Hoops / 3 Pairs of Clubs.

Although a judged sport, the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) is dedicated to making sure Rhythmic routines are scored fairly, FIG First Vice President Slava Corn (CAN) said during an orientation meeting for delegations Friday morning in Stuttgart: "We are a judgment sport and I will not give a lecture, but we expect good, honest judging and fairness and good behavior by everyone in order to make sure that we have an excellent, positive image of our sport," Corn told representatives of the 56 countries. "Our gymnasts deserve nothing less."

"We understand our responsibility in organizing fair and unbiased judging, and we are sure this World Championship will be successful," added Nataliya Kuzmina (RUS), President of the FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics Technical Committee.

The Favorites ...:Russia, which celebrated its 80th anniversary of Rhythmic Gymnastics with a spectacular gala in St. Petersburg earlier this year, remains at the forefront of the sport. Seventeen-year-old Yana Kudryavtseva (RUS) is the two-time reigning World All-around champion, and in Stuttgart she will be attempting to become the youngest-ever gymnast to win three consecutive World titles.* Here is an Interview with the "Angel with the Iron Wings" ...:

A number of international competitors, including Margarita Mamun (RUS) and 2012 Olympians Ganna Rizatdinova (UKR), Melitina Staniouta (BLR) and Son Yeon Jae (KOR) are expected to challenge for multiple medals at this World Championships.

After a disappointing performance at the 2014 World Championships, the Russian Group has appeared strong in competition this year, winning two of three events in the FIG World Cup series. Other Group competitors include reigning World All-around champions Bulgaria, as well as Spain, Italy, Belarus, Israel and Azerbaijan.* source: f i g